Tentative Tourist: A Mayne Attraction Short Story by Ann Mauren

Grayson Gregory is finally being taken seriously by his father, the founder and CEO of Gregory Geologic Resources. Anticipating his first opportunity to lead a project management team on a survey for Iceland's Ministry of Natural Resources, he hopes to prove to his father and the executive staff that he's ready to assume greater leadership responsibilities within the international company that will someday be his.When world renowned geologist and longtime family friend Dr. Samuel Mayne comes out of retirement to consult on the project, Grayson is ecstatic. He is certain that the collaboration and Midas touch genius of his mentor, Dr. Mayne, will guarantee the success of his debut in the driver's seat. But the presence of Dr. Mayne's travelling companion results in a frustrating change of assignments for Grayson, who becomes tasked with the oversight of a Tentative Tourist.

(Image and Description from Goodreads)

Another wonderful teaser from Ann Mauren!

So far we have had a whole novel from the point of view of Ellery the heroine of the tale, a short story from Ash, one of the corners of the love triangle, and now we get a short story from the other corner, Grayson. 

It was brilliant to be reminded all over again why I enjoyed In The Spotlight (Bk #1) so much. Ann Mauren has a way of grabbing me and pulling me right into the story and making me not want to come back out of the world she has made. 

This is the first look into Grayson's mind we have been given and it was great to get a feel for the guy that has quite a large presence in the first book while getting to see the heroine through his eyes for the first time. I can't wait to read a full novel from his point of view. 

This has well and truly got me ready for In the Smoke. I can't wait to dive back into Ellery's world!

Courtney Crumrin and the Night Things (Courtney Crumrin #1)

Courtney's parents have dragged her out to a high-to-do suburb to live with her creepy Great Uncle Aloysius in his spooky old house. She's not only the new kid in school, but she also discovers strange things lurking under her bed.

Courtney was a practical girl and it began to occur to her that perhaps she was missing something about the world. Something important.
After all. What was more likely? That the world was filled with complete doofuses?
Or that there might be something wrong with her?

This was a wonderfully dark and atmospheric introduction to the series.

Courtney, when you get down to it isn't really a nice person and yet I couldn't help but fall in love with her and her dark way of seeing things (she kind of reminded me of Wednesday from The Addams Family).

The supporting characters are certainly colourful (literally - the art is gorgeous) from the humans to the various supernatural beings that litter the book. 

This graphic novel would appeal to those who like the Series of Unfortunate Events books or even The Spiderwick Chronicles (especially the movie) as there is definitely that darkness running through it - I mean, a kid gets eaten, that is the level of dark.  

Wonderful art work and main character who gripped me and made me want to follow her through the story!

*I received this book in e-book form from NetGalley*

The Searcher by F.M Parker

I read this book years ago and when I stumbled across it again I couldn't resist giving it a re-read.

Sam and his sister Sarah are left alone after their parents are killed in an Comanche attack and things go from bad to worse when Sarah is kidnapped and taken to Mexico to be sold. Sam's one aim becomes to rescue his sister.

I suppose you could call this a coming of age story. Sam goes from being a sixteen year old boy to a sixteen year old man from the beginning of the book to the end during his journey to rescue his sister.

The writing is a bit cheesy in some sections and I found myself thinking more than once 'who even talked like that?' but I am glad that I got to give it another read.

Sealed with a Kiss (Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker #2) by Robin Palmer

Lucy B. Parker has finally settled into her new life in New York City, living with her new frister (friend + sister), superstar Laurel Moses. She's got a new BFF in Beatrice, and she's spending her summer vacation off in L.A. visiting Laurel on the set of her new movie and meeting teen heartthrobs left and right. Life is good, until Lucy develops a crush-and unlike previous crushes, this one is not on a character in a book or a movie, but on a real living breathing boy, Beatrice's brother Blair. Unfortunately for Lucy, nothing ever seems to go as she plans. Because although Lucy dreamed that Blair would be her first kiss, it seems like someone else might beat him to it!
(Image and Description from Goodreads)

This was brilliant at showing how far Lucy and Laurel's relationship has came since the beginning of the previous book - although I wouldn't go as far as so say 'fristers' as there are still quite a few kinks to be ironed out. 

Lucy and her mum have moved to the big city to be with Laurel and her father which means that Lucy is getting settled into a new school and making new friends and also trying to get settled in a new city. 

One of the highlight of this book was the supporting character of the doorman at the building where Lucy now lives. He was always there to tell her where to go and to listen to her when everyone else was too busy - he was a right proper sweetheart and I really hope he make some more appearances in future books.

Her mother, although still less gormless that other mothers tend to be in YA is still pretty rubbish but she still manages to 'get' that something is wrong with her daughter when she is upset - even if this does come along a little late in the game) so the bonus points stay in their shaky places for the time being. 

It was fun to watch Lucy in Laurel's world of stars and fame, getting to dress up and being given make-overs. She didn't fit in perfectly and did make some mistakes and put her foot in it a few times but that just made her all the more adorable and real. 

And then there is the matter of that kiss...

This is shaping up to be a fun series :)

Girl vs Superstar (Yours Truly, Lucy B. Parker #1) by Robin Palmer

When Lucy B. Parker gets friend-dumped right before school starts, she figures things can't get much worse. But then her mom announces that she's dating Laurel Moses's dad. THE Laurel Moses ? the TV-movie-music star whose face is on the cover of every magazine. Suddenly, Lucy's life is turned sideways! Up until now, her main goal has been to just get through the day without totally embarrassing herself. And now she's going to be the less-pretty, less-talented stepsister of the most famous girl in the world!

OR

Sixth grade is hard enough for Lucy B. Parker, but it gets so much worse when her mom announces that she's going to marry Laurel Moses's dad. Yes, that Laurel Moses--the TV-movie-music star who makes Hannah Montana look like some random kid from the sticks. Suddenly, Lucy's life is turned upside down and sideways. All Lucy wants to do is get through the day without totally embarrassing herself too much, but that's hard to do when you're the less-pretty, less-talented not-quite sister of a mega superstar. 

(Image and Descriptions from Goodreads)

So, around September last year I decided to broaden my reading horizons and read more YA...girly stuff (I think there might have been a pod next to my bed when I made this crazy choice). Why? Well, because I never read this stuff when I was in the age bracket so I thought I would give it my best shot now. 

**Crickets and tumble weed**

So I was pleasantly surprised by this book.  I mean, sure, there was plenty of OTT-ness on Lucy's part but not to the crazy extent that I have read in some books and her mother was one of the less STUPID, IDIOTIC parents that I have read so that got the book some major bonus points in books. 

Although while we are on the subject of mother what the heck is it with al these parents keeping their dating secret from their children and then just dumping the information on them. I understand that there are things that a parent would like to keep to themselves but come on, just suddenly pulling a several months old relationship out of no-where and planting it in-front of your child is not fair!

One of the things that I really enjoyed was watching Lucy's feelings towards Laurel change. It was so realistic and kind of funny how I could tell she was really not wanting to like this girl but was finding it more difficult to hate her the more she go to know her.

This is a good read (and part of a series, which is always a bonus) and I think it would appeal highly to young girls up to around 13 years old.

                                                                                                         

Light in the Dark by Donna Scholefield

It began with an unfortunate meeting, a forced abduction and six seeds from a pomegranate. What followed was a forced marriage, the growth of an innocent maiden into a powerful goddess and a passion which would eclipse even death itself. This is the story of Hades and Persephone, whom the Fates and the gods played games with, but who ultimately won the greatest prize either could have hoped for; freedom and love.
(Image from Goodreads - Description from Amzazon)

This is just going to be a quick mention of this book. 

The myth of Hades and Persephone is my all time favourite Greek myth, a few come close but no cigar.

This is not my most favourite of all the adaptations and tale that I have read so far but it is pretty good. (I read this as a eBook (I have no idea if it is available as a physical book or not) and the formatting was pretty wonky - and that did jar be from the narrative sometimes. I would be halfway through a paragraph and suddenly I would get the line that is supposed to be the footnote to the page (Author name, book title etc) it was pretty annoying) 

This re-telling of the story is a more true account of how the myth runs...if that makes sense since it is a myth. 

In other words, if you are looking for a happy, fluffy tale of love and devotion you ain't going to get it with this book. Don't get me wrong, the love that they feel for each other comes across beautifully but there are plenty of obstacles, mistakes and heartbreak for both Hades and Persephone to overcome. 

Wicked Jealous by Robin Palmer

Simone never saw herself as the “cute girl”—she was always the chunky, band tee wearing, France-obsessed smart girl. But now that Simone’s a few pounds lighter and sporting a new retro style, things have gotten, well, weird. Her crush Jason seems to actually know she exists. And when Simone’s soon-to-be step-monster Hillary stops ignoring her, Simone knows something is up. When Simone’s brother offers to let her move in with him and his six room-mates on the beach for the summer, Simone jumps at the chance. But living with seven very different college boys isn't exactly helping her land her very own happily ever after.
(Image and Description form Goodreads)

This is the first Robin Palmer book that I have read...well, listened too ;) 

Wicked Jealous is a modern take on Snow White and unlike many Snow White re-telling's that I have read the characterisation of Snow White didn't bug me! Go figure. 

Simone (Snow White) begins the story as an Ugly Duckling, she is overweight, binges regularly on her favourite junk food and is allergic to apples. And then everything changes when she signs up for a night class...only to end up attending a Zumba class. 

I loved this book. Simone was so relatable and a sweetheart - although she puts up with a heck of alot more than I would and I wanted her to explode so much but she never did. e.g. She comes home to find that he dad's girlfriend has redecorated her room and packed away all of her things and she holds it together remarkably well. 

Simone's father is, of course, an idiot. Need I say more. 

But the characters who really brought the book alive were Simon's best-friend, her brother and her brothers room-mates. They all care for Simone for who she is and not what she looks like. And they all have their own little quirks which made me love them even more. 

There is also the group of ladies from the Zumba class who take an immediate shine to Simone - she is the youngest member of the class by at least 20 years. 

I really don't want to say too much about this book and give too much away. 

This is a fun read with enough twists and deviations from the original tale to keep me plenty interested - and you guys all know I am hard to please :)

If you want something light and YA to read where you can route for the heroine all the way I would recommend this!

Something to Blog About by Shana Norris (A Rant)

Libby Fawcett decides to start a secret blog so that she can have an outlet to vent her feelings and frustrations. When Seth Jacobs (her crush since eighth grade) witnesses her tragic (and comic) run-in with a Bunsen burner in chemistry class, or when she finds out that her mother is dating the father of her arch-nemesis, Angel Rodriguez, she’s able to keep a level head and make it through school each day with each blog posting. But when her entries get posted all over for the whole world to see, will Libby be able to walk the halls—or face Seth—ever again?
(Image and Description from Goodreads)


Are you guys ready for a rant and some spoilers attached to those rants? Because, I am not going to lie to you, this is going to be the rant-iest rant in the history of ranting. (Ok, maybe not, but it will be pretty close)

Before I begin though there is one thing that I would like to say about just 'where' I am coming from with this. 

In my mind as soon as you have a child, that new life, that blank slate on the surface of the earth that is half you becomes your number one priority. Everything you do or say will have some bearing on that little bundle of joy through out its life. So how come whenever a love interest enters the seen all of this goes out of the window. 

Another quick thing - I am not against single parents finding love. 

So, lets begins. 

Dating the father of the girl who has bullied your child for years at school. Ok, so this in itself is not a bad thing in my books. But then (wait for it) expecting you child to sit all happy through a dinner with their tormentor across the table from them.

WHAT. THE. HELL!?

And then when your kid tries to explain why they feel/are acting how they are you pull the 'there must be a reason they (the bully) act like that'. I am getting palpitations just typing this. 

SERIOUSLY. 

Your daughter has just old you that they had toilet paper purposefully stuck to them so they were traipsing it through the halls at school without knowing and that is all you say?

YOU SUCK AS A PARENT!

 My personal favourite - 
Your daughter gets jumped at school - hair pulled, scratched etc, and all you have to say is 'Grounded' because they fought back against their attacker. 

WHAT!

So you expect your child to just lay there and get the snot beaten out of them. 

I hated the mother in this books beyond belief. I mean, at what age do adults forget what it is like to be tormented and bullied on a daily basis and pull the 'I'm sure when you get to them...' line. 

Gah! I am so angry as I type this. 

It isn't even like I am the age of the heroine and I am thinking "Maaaaaan that, like, totally isn't fair,". I am 22 and I think that this mother is lousy! And, from what I can recall, at no point does she tell her kid that she understand how she is feeling, or anything. 

And don't get me started on the dating for 7 months before telling you kid thing. 

Once again. GAH!

And another thing. 

Your daughter is spoken down to RIGHT IN FRONT you when you go to the guys house for a family dinner and you do nothing. What the hell kind of parent are you?

Seriously, I would love to read a book where THIS mother get bullied at work or something and see how the fizz she copes with it. Hah, perfect opportunity for the daughter to say "But wait mum, there must be a reason they are doing what they are doing. And I am dating there son so you are going to be seeing them a lot more often. Get over it" That would be lovely. 

And the moment that knocks all others out of the park. 

The mother telling the daughter that what goes on between her (daughter) and the bully (boyfriends daughter) has nothing to do with the mum or the boyfriend. (I want to turn the screen blue so much right now)

I am going to end it there but there are loads of things in this book that got up my nose. 

So yes, for the majority of this book I was wanting to kill this mum and she pretty much ruined the whole book for me. 

Ok, rant over. 

Clarts and Calamities by Henry Brewis

This is the humorous diary of a year in the life of a hill farmer, with frequent disasters and rare triumphs.(Image from Goodreads  - Description from Waterstones.com)

This book was just what the doctored ordered at the time when I was reading it - it proved to be a lovely diversion during the family holiday from hell *shiver*

The diary cover a year of a sheep farmer and is told with a humour that comes across as being natural and not forced. 

It is filled with passages that I couldn't resist giggling out loud too - which of course lead to me needing to read the out loud to my mum - who I was sharing a room with, which then had us both smiling - which believe me, was sorely needed. 

The only damper to the book was the mentions of abuse against the animals form the farmer. I don't think it was all that often but it does stick out in my mind a little. 

Wonderland! 'Alice in Wonderland' and 'The Wonderland Alphabet'

Alice in Wonderland by Raven Gregory, Robert Gill and Jason Embury

**Recieved in e-book form from Netgalley.com**

The one thing known is that her time spent in a world full of insanity left her a broken adult. However, her courageous will to survive is what ultimately saved humanity. Now the story of Alice's visit into Wonderland is fully revealed and the truth of the terror will be told in full From Raven Gregory, Ralph Tedesco, and Joe Brusha, the minds behind Grimm Fairy Tales and Return To Wonderland, comes the series that Zenescope fans have been waiting for Follow Zenescope back down the rabbit hole and discover a world of madness like you've never seen before
(Image and Description from Goodreads)

Dark, disturbing, bloody and NOT FOR CHILDREN!

That is all. 


The Wonderland Alphabet by  Alethea Kontis, Janet K. Lee and Lewis Carroll
**Recieved in e-book form from Netgalley.com**

As I only got to view this as a black and white e-book copy I didn't get the full experience with colour images but I think as a physical, full colour book this would be a fun addition to a child's library - even if they aren't already familiar with Alice's story. 

(Although some of the pictures where a little freaky - the Cheshire cat for one had a bit of a 'I will eat you or haunt your dreams forever' kind of vibe.)
 


**I recieved both of the above books in e-book form from Netgalley.com**

Goblin's Bride by Anastasia Rabiyah

Elgar left his home in the Grimfer Mountains to start a new life away from goblinkind. In the village of Fairbrook he finds a steady market for his wares, a fine burrow in the woods nearby, and something he never counted on: a bride. After meeting her, he wakes the next day with a peculiar fever that worsens day by day. He suffers taunting dreams and can't stop thinking of her. She's human; he's a goblin, but his condition can't be denied. He's found his mate. A bond between them can't work, or can it?

(Description and Image from Goodreads)

Umm...I am really stuck for something to say about this book. Girl meets goblin, goblin gets girl out of some unwanted marriages. Girl and goblin get together. Drama happens. And they all lived happily ever after. 

Really guys, I am pretty stumped with this one. 

The story had potential but the characters ruined it for me. Especially our heroine. She is different - of course she is - and so her father finds it to be a miracle when he gets someone to agree to marry her - then why the heck does she end up with another suitor as soon as the first is taken care off! Within pages of this book starting fiancée number one has been bashed on the head with a rock and has forgotten who she (Isabella) is and then fiancée number two is thrown into a gorge - and I won't spoil number 3. 

Isabella is SO whiny it is unbelievable. But not just that! When he first meets Elgar and she asks for his help to get out of a marriage that will be taking place that day he lobs a rock at the poor guy - killing him for all we know - and she shows no worry for him at all, that this guy could be dead because of her wanting out of marrying him. All that she cares about is that she just got what she wanted. As soon as that happened anything could have happened to her and I wouldn't have really cared. 

All in all this is an OK (as in 2 out of 5) read - despite the main characters not gelling with me. I have a soft spot for goblins so that did help me get through it.

Masques (Sianim Bk #1) by Patricia Briggs

After an upbringing of proper behavior and oppressive expectations, Aralorn fled her noble birthright for a life of adventure as a mercenary spy. 
Her latest mission involves spying on the increasingly powerful sorcerer Geoffrey ae'Magi. 
But in a war against an enemy armed with the powers of illusion, how do you know who the true enemy is-or where he will strike next?
(Image and Description from Goodreads)

I listened to this in audiobook form and I was piece-of-paperless for pretty much all of it so I didn't manage to scribble down random thoughts as I listened as I normally get to do - bear with me guys as I hash my way though this:)

Observation #1 - This version is a re-write from the original that was published in the early 90s, now, I haven't read the original - I think it would be pretty interesting to compare them - but there is an introduction from Patricia Briggs before the novel begins. 

I for one would not have noticed that this was her first novel if it had not been pointed out to me. Maybe if I had more experience with her novels (e.g. Mercedes Thompson Series and Alpha and Omega) it would have been glaringly obvious to me but as it stood. Nope. But then again the argument could be made that if I had read the un-re-written version I wouldn't have got past the first chapter *shrug* who knows. 

Observation #2 - I liked it! I did. It reminded me a little of the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. I mean a little deeper and darker without the lightness but there was definitely something there that clicked. 

Observation #3 - I don't know if this is because it is part of a series but it seemed to just be getting started and then BANG end of story. I felt a little disappointed by this. Although there was all this drama going on I just couldn't get that sense of urgency I feel I should have had from it. The suspense (if you can call it that) just kind of plateaued out. 

Hmm... ok I am rethinking the first-book comment, maybe there are some tell tale signs this was a first novel after all...

Soooo all in all yes, I enjoyed this book but it was definitely lacking in places. :)

Belle (Book #3 Fairy Tale Flirts!) by Lisa Scott

Belle’s father is sidelined by a stroke, and she’s determined to save his job as a master carpenter for the mysterious Prince Maxim. Despite her training, completing work on the Prince’s library is harder than she imagined, with the elusive prince watching her every move from the shadows. Belle’s intrigued by the intelligent, kind man who won’t let himself be seen. Is Belle the one to help him move beyond his painful past?
(Image and Description from Goodreads)

Needless to say this instalment of Fairy Tale Flirts! is bases on Beauty and the Beast (my all time favourite fairytale EVER!) 

For Belle we are joining or heroine Belle Foster at Grimm Towers as she completes her father's commission in Prince Maxim's (hello Beast) apartment. 

I loved reading about a Belle who worked with her hands and didn't just sit around reading or mindlessly exploring all day long. She is there to do a job and she is determined to get it done. 

Our Beast character does an acceptable amount of wallowing but when needed he puts his on issues aside and steps up - which gave him plenty of Brownie points in my books. 

And then we have the supporting characters who are predominantly made up of the servants in Maxim's apartment. I loved how happy they were just to have Belle there with them. And having the line 'Please, be out guest' show up gave me a bit of a kick - I won't deny it. 

This is another short story so it is a quick read but full of cuteness. 

I enjoyed this story so much more than Snow (Book #4 in the series) , but this could be because I am biased :)  

How to Twist a Dragon's Tale (How to Train Your Dragon Bk #5) by Cressida Cowell

Someone has stolen the Fire-Stone. Now the volcano on Volcano Island has become active and the tremors are hatching the eggs of the Exterminator dragons Can Hiccup return the Fire-Stone to the Volcano, stop the Volcano from erupting, and save the Tribes from being wiped out by the terrible sword-claws of the Exterminators?
(Image and Description from Goodreads)

Want to know something funny about this series. I started out LOVING it. No, really, it was nearly overtaking the Dork Diaries series in my estimations...but (yip, you all saw that one coming didn't you) the last 2 books have been a bit of a drag. I think this one was a smidgen more enjoyable than I found book 4 (How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse) but I still didn't get dragged into the story as easily as I did with the previous 3 in the series. 

In this book we have Toothless and Hiccup once again coming to the rescue, but this time there is more of a back story and we get a little bit of history about his mum and dad. We meet a Viking Hero famous for being...well...a Viking Hero and Alvin the Treacherous everyone's favourite recurring villain returns with another dastardly pot to try and get Hiccup. 

There was definitely suspense in this book as Hiccup tries to beat the volcano. But he doesn't only have the coming explosion to worry about, he also has to face the danger of the hatching Exterminators (woohoo another flavour of dragon) swarming the sides of the volcano. 

Dun dun duuuuuuuun. 

All in all it isn't the best of the series that I have read but it better than the last. I really hope things pick up with the next one. 

Snow (Book #4 Fairy Tale Flirts!) by Lisa Scott

Shawna White wants nothing more than to land a role in a musical, but she’s running out of cash while she chases her dream. Her stepmother, Veronica Midas, suggests she take a nanny job for the rich man she’s trying to land, and Shawna finds herself in charge of seven kids. But Veronica didn't realize Shawna would be living there, enchanting Jeremy and his children. Now Veronica will do whatever it takes to win her man.
(Image and Description from Goodreads)

Snow - Shawna White - is a 23 year old unemployed actress who is loving with her step-mother. The story kicks off with Veronica (S.M) getting Shawna a nanny-ing position looking after the (wait for it) SEVEN  children of out Prince Charming character - Jeremy James - who lives at Grimm Towers a really high end apartment block. 

Veronica - who was hoping to get her claws into James - quickly realizes that her plan of having more time with James now that the children have a carer wasn't going to work when it is revealed that Shawna will be a live in nanny So not only does she have to re-think her plan but she is also going to be short on Shawna's rent. And so it begin...

This was a fun and quick read. It is a short story so there isn't an awful lot of time to get to know the characters. Knowing from the get go what the story as based on and who the characters were supposed to be was I think a little bit of a disadvantage as I already knew who I was supposed to like and not like. There was a moment though when I really felt sorry for Veronica when she realizes that she has basically turned into her mother - which is something that she had fought not to do. 

I really hope we see a story dedicated to Veronica in the future. 

Fun and short read!

This is the 4th book in the Fairy Tale Flirts! Short Story Series. 

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he thought he was destined to live.

(Description from Goodreads)

I wish I could say loads of educated stuff about this book but unfortunately I can't - oh, I have loads of stuff floating around in my mind, it's just the articulation thing that I have an issue with.

I have never been on a reservation and other than how they are portrayed on TV (John Wayne all the way!) I have no idea what they were like or are like today. So I do not know if American readers have a bit more of an insight when it comes to that side of the story? (answers on a postcard...or in the comments would be just fine)

As it stands though I really enjoyed this books. I first heard about it over a YouTube channel Beauty Isn't Skin Deep (really good channel) and finally after 2 years I got around to reading it and I am glad to report that it wasn't a let down.

Albert (AKA Junior) was a wonderful down to earth narrator without sounding like an adult in child's clothing. He kept me glued to the story and made me want to find out more. *puts on big girl hat for a second* This was such a compelling read! *takes of big girl hat - phew that was stressful ;)*

The author didn't shy away from the use of bad language but at the same time it wasn't excessive. Being inside a fourteen year old boys head was definitely interesting - the fact that I couldn't get enough of this book when I usual avoid male narrators like the plague really shows what a pleasant surprise this book was. 

A heartbreaking (at times) and joyful read, full of a mood ring of emotions.

I would highly recommend this book.

Review - Sovereign Hope by Frankie Rose

Everyone has a soul

Some are just worth more than others

Farley Hope was seventeen when her mother disappeared. In the last six months not much has changed, except that her eighteenth birthday came and went and still no sign of Moira. Her life is just as complicated as it always was. Since her father died in a car crash before she was even born, she’s officially parentless, and to top it all off she’s still suffering from the hallucinations. Mind-splitting, vivid hallucinations- the kind prone to induce night terrors and leave you whimpering under your covers like a baby.

The last thing on her mind is boys. Farley is on break from St. Judes’ when she meets Daniel. It’s not some casual run in at a party, or even a blind date with friends, though. Daniel is the guy following her in his 1970′s Dodge Charger; the guy standing at her window in the LA lunch hour traffic, trying to persuade her to leave everything behind and follow him. And he's hot as all hell. 

The moment Farley lays eyes on Daniel, everything changes. He is cold and withdrawn, but there are cracks in his harsh veneer- cracks that betray the secrets he is trying so hard to hide. Farley is drawn into a world that will shake apart everything she thought she ever knew. There are truths out there that she must learn: that a person’s soul is their only real currency, and there are people who would do anything to take hers; that loving someone can hurt so much more than hating them; but, most importantly, when your future is predestined, there is little you can do to change it.

Farley Hope is prophesied.

Her coming has been awaited for hundreds of years.

She is destined to end the tyranny of the Soul Reavers.

To do so she must die

The story begins with Farley in her car and figuring out that she is being followed and from there on in this story zaps by. And that was the main thing that I liked about this story. There was no pausing in the actions and no moments were I wanted to skip to the next page. Everything about it made me want to find out what happened next.

The villains of the story are a group of immortals called Reavers and there human no-longer-quite-themselves minions Immundus. So guess who our hero has to keep our heroine safe from ;).

I LOVED this heroine! 

Farley was so strong willed and independent and at the same time didn't do any of those hair-pullingly stupid things that other heroines do (because they all seem to be exceedingly brainless and DON’T LISTEN TO ANYONE – pet peeve there guys). That isn’t to say that she listens to everything that she is told to do or anything but the stupidity is kept to a blessed minimum. Although my one issue with her is that she seems to handle thing a little too well. I was waiting for a full on emotional melt down that never happened. 

Daniel - our hero – goes around with a bee in his bonnet for most of the story and he and Farley have a love hate relationship that comes from him trying to keep some distance between them. But why we ask?

Frankie Rose did a marvellous job of holding back just enough information to have me wanting to tear through the rest of the book to find out just what was going on.

I am looking forward to reading more about this world and it's characters :).

*Thanks to author Frankie Rose for providing this book for review*

Rapid Review - Zombie Kid Diaries - Playing Dead by Fred Perry and David Hitchison

Middle school is horrific enough for any 5th grader's first day. But for Bill Dookes, it's a festering, rotting, undead nightmare! Since Bill's deadbeat dad got arrested trying to burn the house down for the insurance, Mom's had to make ends meet by volunteering to various medical research companies for cash. This would be fine if she hadn't brought home a mysterious zombie virus! Now Bill has to deal with skin problems and body chemistry changes that make puberty look like a walk in the park! And then there's his ever-growing appetite for BRAINS!

I think young kids who have a high gross scale and find eating worm funny will love this book. Me I found it turned my stomach. It doesn't go into detail or anything but it is the thought of some the stuff. Eating roadkill, and gone of milk with mouldy cereal. 

Ick!

*I received this book in e-book form from NetGalley*

Size 12 Is Not Fat (Heather Wells Bk #1) by Meg Cabot

HEATHER WELLS ROCKS!

Or, at least, she did. That was before she left the pop-idol life behind after she gained a dress size or two -- and lost a boyfriend, a recording contract, and her life savings (when Mom took the money and ran off to Argentina). Now that the glamour and glory days of endless mall appearances are in the past, Heather's perfectly happy with her new size 12 shape (the average for the American woman!) and her new job as an assistant dorm director at one of New York's top colleges. That is, until the dead body of a female student from Heather's residence hall is discovered at the bottom of an elevator shaft.

The cops and the college president are ready to chalk the death off as an accident, the result of reckless youthful mischief. But Heather knowsteenage girls . . . and girls do not elevator surf. Yet no one wants to listen -- not the police, her colleagues, or the P.I. who owns the brownstone where she lives -- even when more students start turning up dead in equally ordinary and subtly sinister ways. So Heather makes the decision to take on yet another new career: as spunky girl detective!

But her new job comes with few benefits, no cheering crowds, and lots of liabilities, some of them potentially fatal. And nothing ticks off a killer more than a portly ex-pop star who's sticking her nose where it doesn't belong . . .

(Image and description from Goodreads)


*there will be some spoilers in this post - well, more than I usually mention anyway as I will be indulging myself in a mini-rant ;)*


This was a fun read, the pages flew by in true Meg Cabot style which is always a nice fluffy, gift wrapped bonus for a book.

Having a heroine who is not a stick insect (or on a track team or anything else) was great and who also has proper issues going on her life. Her mother had legged it with all of her money, her father is in prison and she had been dumped by her fiance - after finding him in a situation with his now fiance.

I loved Heather. She was sure of herself (even when she wasn't) and doing her best to make a life for herself. She also told her ex where to do when he made an appearance. Now THAT I loved. That is until this one time!

He showed up and like that *insert finger snap here* they are going at it on the hallway floor. At that point I am afraid my opinion of Heather crashed and burned. She said herself that in that moment she had become the 'other woman' and she didn't like it. Yeah well, I agree Mrs - not to mention it wasn't even your house!!!! anyone could have came in.

Yeah, after that moment I didn't quite liker her as much - even though this is only proving that out heroine is not perfect and is flawed, yadedadeda. Still went off her.

I still enjoyed the book though and like all of Meg Cabot's work it is filled to the gills with some great 1 liners and as I have mentioned it was a fun and fast paced read.

Reading about an ex-pop-star turned dorm director who tries to do some crime solving on the side make for some good fun :)

How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse (How to Train Your Dragon Bk #4) by Cressida Cowell

In his 4th sidesplitting adventure, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III must rescue his best friend, Fishlegs, from the deadly disease Vorpentitis. The only cure is rare and almost impossible to find...a potato. But where will Hiccup find such a thing? He'll have to dodge the terrible Sharkworms, battle Doomfang (abilities = 30), and outwit crazy Hooligans if he's going to be a Hero...again. A fast paced plot, slapstick humor, witty dialogue and imaginative black and white illustrations enhance this exciting tale.

(Image and Description from Goodreads)

Fishlegs has been bitten by a dragon and has become ill with Vorpentitis. His only hope lies in the mythical vegetable - the potato.

Out of all of the book sof this series so far this one has the most twists and turns. As I was reading I kept thinking I had it sussed and then BAM, OK maybe I don't have it all figured out after all.

I felt my anger at the adults in this story growing. I doesn't seem to matter how much Hiccup does or how many times he saves the day they are always doubting him. Although his father finally clues in on something. :)

This book hasn't been my favourite in the series. It was still good but it was missing something that was in the first three books and I can't quite pit my finger on it.

I still can't wait to get stuck into Book 5 though!